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Betty Rider, 82

Betty J. Rider, 82, of Columbia City, died at 12:04 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at Miller’s Merry Manor.She was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Noble County, a daughter of Oscar H. and Elsie M. (Freed) Peterson. Her formative years were spent in Noble County. She graduated from Cromwell High School.On Feb. 14, 1954, she was united in marriage to Royce L. Rider. They made their home on the Merriam Rider farm in Etna until 1971, when they moved to Kimmell. In 1975, they moved to Columbia City. Mr. Rider died July 16, 1998.She was employed at Rinker’s Dress Shop, Alfran Nursing Home and later The Oaks, for a total of 15 years, and K-Mart in Warsaw from 1996 until 1998. She was a former member of Salem Community Church in Wilmot.Surviving relatives include two daughters, Royca L. Rider of Columbia City and Tamy J. Sult of Huntington; a granddaughter, Lonna Perkins; a great-granddaughter, Kyllie Perkins; and her caregiver, Debbie Birtchum of Columbia City.In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul K. Peterson and Robert W. Peterson; and a sister, Edna Targgart.The funeral service will be held at noon Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home. The burial will be Eden Cemetery, Topeka. Preferred memorials are to the final expense account payable to Smith & Sons Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.